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The Truitt-Lawhorn Family of Greenville, paused during their three day family reunion over the weekend, to honor local veterans with a Quilts of Valor (QOV) presentation Saturday. Event coordinator Lieutenant Renee Rob Truitt, with American Legion Post 105, said she felt it important to honor family members and others with these beautiful handmade quilts.

According to its website, The Quilt of Valor Foundation appreciates the service and sacrifice of those who are serving or have served in the Armed Forces to protect Americans’ freedoms. The first QOV was awarded in November 2003 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to a young soldier from Minnesota who had lost his leg in Iraq.

Family historian Greg Truitt reflected on the life, legacy, and service of his great-grandfather, the late Roosevelt Truitt, a World War I veteran. 

“My great-grandfather and my great-grandmother, the late Essie Lawhorn Truitt, are the reason we are here today,” Truitt said. “Not only was he a veteran of war, he was a respected civil rights activist. They worked hard, operated the family farm, and even built an elementary  school on their property in the Sandy Ridge area of Fort Deposit, and their legacy lives on with what you see here today. We are still a family of veterans, entrepreneurs, professionals, and activists. We are here to pay tribute to the service and sacrifices they made for us to be here today.”

Commander Anthony Barganier, represented American Legion Post 2020 from Fort Deposit and spoke on the importance of honoring military personnel for their service. 

“It’s good to be thought of and respected for your service,” he said. “This happening on the 4th of July weekend, makes it all the more special.” 

Commander Liza Berrey, from Post 24 was honored at the event. She said she loves attending these types of events to gain information and resources for the elderly veteran community. 

“It’s important that we honor them while they’re still here with us,” Berrey said.

A Quilt of Valor is an award for service, that would humbly say, “Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and valor, in serving our nation in combat.”